Monitoring and Compliance
Northwest Education Services (North Ed) provides a supervisor for continuous improvement and compliance as a resource to parents, member districts and ISD staff to provide services and support to students who may have or are identified as having a disability. The compliance supervisor leads monitoring and compliance activities for North Ed.
These activities include:
- Developing policies and procedures that support member districts in providing a free and appropriate public education to students with disabilities.
- Providing technical assistance and professional development to stakeholders.
- Supporting data collection.
- Coordinating state and federally-mandated compliance activities, including the development of a general supervision system.
- Investigating informal and formal special education complaints.
The compliance supervisor coordinates the Medicaid fee for service and case management services for North Ed.
Catamaran
What is Catamaran?
Catamaran is the system Michigan uses to promote positive outcomes and ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE). Catamaran was designed to help member districts collect, analyze and interpret data, and keep track of all monitoring activities in a single location.
Catamaran reflects the priorities of the IDEA 2004, the State Performance Plan (SPP), and is aligned with the School Improvement Framework.
Federal & State Legislation
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA is the Federal Law that governs programs and services for students with disabilities. The statute was most recently passed by Congress in 2004, and that, along with the implementing regulations outline how states and school districts provide a free and appropriate education (FAPE) to students in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE)
MARSE contains additional requirements and procedures for the provision of special education in Michigan.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA broadly outlines the protections afforded to students and their families. The implementing regulations outline specific requirements that schools must follow.
Procedural Safeguards
The IDEA includes a set of procedural safeguards designed to protect the rights of students with disabilities and their parents. Michigan’s Procedural Safeguards outline many procedures, including how to file a complaint, how to file a due process complaint and options for dispute resolution. The document is available in English and several other languages.
Parents must receive the Procedural Safeguards Notice:
- at least once a year;
- following a parent request for an evaluation;
- when a parent files their first state complaint and first due process complaint in a school year;
- when a student has a change of placement due to a violation of a student code of conduct; and
- when requested by a parent.
Procedural Safeguards for Early On